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Cross-comparison · Comparison spans different vehicle types

2007 Ford Edge vs 2007 Subaru Outback

Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.

Synced 2026-06-14 Source: NHTSA public records Reviewed by ASE-certified contributors
Quick verdict
The 2007 Subaru Outback edges this one on reliability data

Reliability data favors the 2007 Subaru Outback (3.8 versus 3.4). These vehicles aren't a typical head-to-head comparison, but if you're cross-shopping them, the data is what it is.

2007 Ford Edge

3.4/5
Reliability score
988 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$14,550 repair exposure
vs
More reliable

2007 Subaru Outback

3.8/5
Reliability score
129 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$10,200 repair exposure

Stories from the shop

The 2007 Subaru Outback edges this comparison on reliability data (3.8 versus 3.4). These aren't a typical head-to-head, but if you're cross-shopping them, the data is what it is.

If you lean 2007 Ford Edge, know what you're getting into on airbags and powertrain. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2007 Subaru Outback sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.

Going with the 2007 Subaru Outback? Watch the cruise control and suspension. The 2007 Ford Edge has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.

On the dollars-and-cents side, total repair exposure across the top problem areas runs 1.4x higher on the 2007 Ford Edge. That's the number to keep in mind when you're pricing the deal — a $2,000 difference in purchase price disappears the first time you're staring at a transmission rebuild.

Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.

— ProblemsByVin editorial team, drawing on the NHTSA data and shop experience.

Side-by-side by problem area

Category
2007 Ford Edge
2007 Subaru Outback
airbags
324 reports
severe · ~$1,100
41 reports
severe · ~$1,100
powertrain
184 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
8 reports
severe · ~$2,500
brakes
100 reports
moderate · ~$450
8 reports
moderate · ~$450
electrical
66 reports
severe · ~$850
19 reports
moderate · ~$850
engine
45 reports
severe · ~$3,100
12 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
fuel system
36 reports
moderate · ~$1,200
No reports
tires
25 reports
moderate · ~$150
No reports
visibility
22 reports
moderate · ~$350
No reports
cruise control
No reports
10 reports
moderate · ~$600
suspension
No reports
10 reports
moderate · ~$900

Common questions

Which is more reliable, the 2007 Ford Edge or the 2007 Subaru Outback?

Based on the NHTSA data we track, the 2007 Subaru Outback comes out ahead with a reliability score of 3.8 versus 3.4. The margin is narrow, so the verdict could shift if you weight specific categories differently or factor in your own use case.

What goes wrong more often on the 2007 Ford Edge?

Compared to the 2007 Subaru Outback, the 2007 Ford Edge sees more reported issues in airbags and powertrain. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.

What goes wrong more often on the 2007 Subaru Outback?

Compared to the 2007 Ford Edge, the 2007 Subaru Outback has more complaints in cruise control and suspension. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.

Which has more recalls?

Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.

Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?

Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $14,550 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.

Related comparisons

Reliability scores, complaint counts, and severity ratings derived from the NHTSA public records database. Verify each vehicle's federal record: 2007 Ford Edge on NHTSA · 2007 Subaru Outback on NHTSA. "Repair exposure" is the sum of average independent-shop repair costs across each vehicle's tracked problem categories and is intended as a relative comparison, not an exact prediction. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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